PUBLIC School System officials led by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and a group of high school students appeared before the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee during a budget hearing Tuesday, urging senators to reject the House’s proposed $31.7 million allocation for PSS and instead fund education with at least $40 million.
Marianas High School senior Ainsley Parnes Ancheta spoke on behalf of more than a dozen students in the gallery, asking the senators to “invest in our education because it is not only for our future but for the CNMI’s future as well.” She said the motto “Students First, Educators Always” has guided PSS. She added, “It is an ideal the CNMI should respect because it is for our future.”
Ancheta noted that PSS has not received the 25% funding guaranteed by the CNMI Constitution — not in the last fiscal year, not in the current fiscal year, and not in the proposed FY 2026 budget.
“I come here with the utmost respect for the legislative process, and I understand that this body is putting all its efforts to secure a loan. However, it is not enough,” she said.
Camacho said, “It is not our children’s fault that the economy is the way it is, and I am not here to point fingers at who is responsible. I am here to advocate for our students and to remind everyone that we must prioritize education. We should fund it with at least $40 million, or risk falling behind with only $31.7 million.”
The commissioner highlighted PSS successes, noting that nearly 90% of schools met or exceeded district goals last year. Student proficiency scores rose to 62% in mathematics and 65% in reading, above the 58% benchmark. Early literacy climbed to 71%, reflecting a 17% jump in reading and a 7% increase in math.
“This is the result of high standards, qualified teachers, and strong support systems,” he said, commending educators, counselors, and administrators.
Camacho also noted that all 20 PSS campuses opened on schedule last month after passing safety, fire, and sanitation inspections, underscoring a commitment to safe, healthy learning environments.
He said the American Rescue Plan Act has provided financial stability over the last three years, covering $12 million in local budget shortfalls to prevent furloughs and protect the full 180 instructional days for students. With ARPA funds now exhausted, he said, the House’s $31.7 million proposal is insufficient.
Camacho added that cost-saving initiatives are already in place, including nearly $1 million in annual savings from solar panels at 19 campuses, reductions in locally funded operations by 50%, and limits on off-island travel. Still, he said, classrooms and programs would suffer if PSS does not receive at least $40 million.
“This Legislature appropriated $33.4 million last year, and we only survived because ARPA covered the gap. That cushion is gone. The $31.7 million will not cut it — it will set us back,” he said.
Camacho urged senators to “view education as the pathway out of the economic crisis.” He added, “You want to fix the economy and advance our society? Invest in these kids today — they will take the mantle soon and lead the way for a better tomorrow.”
He reiterated that the $31.7 million proposed in the FY 2026 budget “will send us backwards,” and warned that without adequate investment, “we risk undoing years of student progress.”
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, chairman of the Fiscal Affairs Committee, said House Bill 24-46, proposing a $127.4 million appropriation for FY 2026, “is before the Senate and is not final. That is why we have this budget process: to gain clarity and exchange ideas.”
Sen. Ronnie Calvo, a former special education teacher from Rota, called the hearing “a very deep and critical conversation.” He commended public comments and said lawmakers are “trying to collaborate and see how we can come to an agreement based on the collective revenue available to the CNMI.”
Sen. Paul A. Manglona said he was encouraged that education officials are “willing to compromise and meet in the middle” after hearing Camacho advocate for at least $40 million. PSS’ original request was $49.2 million.
“The hearing was a good exercise because we now have a sense of how far we are from the number that you are looking for to possibly meet the students’ needs,” Manglona said. He added that the Senate is working to comply with the constitution and noted the $29 million House-passed loan to cover 75% of retirees’ pensions, freeing up funds for agencies including PSS.
High school students listen during the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee’s budget hearing in the Senate chamber on Tuesday.
Photos by Emmanuel T. Erediano
From left, Public School System Special Education Director Donna Flores, Board of Education member Andrew Orsini, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, and Acting PSS Financial Director Jonathan Aguon appear before the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
